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wow
Hey - I didn't start this thread - why is everybody picking on me? I merely stated that these gifts gave the impression that Obama didn't really care about tradition or our long-standing alliance with Britain.
As far as gifts - I think the idea is you don't give something that they can go out and buy at the local department store! As I understand it, there's usually some historical significance to the gift.
So I don't know what the ideal gift is - but I do know they have people in the White House whose job it is to advise the President on matters of protocol. Here's an article I found on the internet - interesting reading, especially for you Manny!
Gifts of State
The exchange of gifts among kings and chiefs and presidents and premiers is a centuries-old tradition. From the ancient civilizations of Rome and Egypt to the native tribes of North America, ceremonial gifts have paved the way for peaceful coexistence between peoples of different cultures. They are universal symbols in the language of diplomacy.
In 1787 a young America defied this old custom and banned the acceptance of foreign gifts by government officials. For citizens of a new democracy, gifts bore both the distasteful odor of aristocracy and the distinct scent of danger: A bribe in betrayers' hands could topple a government. In spite of the prohibition, the strong tradition of diplomatic exchange compelled foreign leaders to continue to send gifts. Refusing them proved impossible; it was at best impolite and at worst a stinging offense. Despite early ideals, Presidents often had no choice but to accept foreign gifts; indeed, every President since George Washington has received gifts of state.
Today gift-giving between heads of state is an important part of modern-day international relations. U.S. Presidents routinely meet face to face with leaders from every corner of the earth. These state visits shimmer with pomp and ceremony, including formal welcomes, elaborate dinners, and the exchange of gifts. As tokens of this ritual of diplomacy, gifts are enduring emblems of international cooperation and friendship.
Though gifts from foreign leaders bear a symbolic meaning, they also resonate with the variety and vibrancy of all the nations of the world. They range from native arts or antiques-prized pieces of a country's culture and heritage–to sparkling gold and gemstones. Other gifts are surprisingly sentimental, symbols of national or personal friendship. All enrich the relations between two countries and their leaders. And each recalls a moment in history, when two nations–often separated by oceans or ideology–briefly clasped hands.
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Gee Manny - sounds like this is a pretty significant tradition! Here's the website - it shows pictures of various gifts and the significance behind them. Kinda makes the dvds and IPod look rather silly!
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/tok..._of_state.html
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wow
I'm guessing she'll say the complete works of Rush Limbaugh, Bill O' Reilly and Mark Steyn.
Not wearing the flag pin
Painting his plane with the Hope logo
Giving a set of DVDs
Giving an ipod
this Obama guy; what an asshole! He deserves the black AIDS.
You just gave the impression you're an idiot.
See my post above Einstein...I'm guessing she'll say the complete works of Rush Limbaugh, Bill O' Reilly and Mark Steyn.
Mrs. Obama clearly made an impression with the 82-year-old monarch — so much that the smiling queen strayed slightly from protocol and briefly wrapped her arm around the first lady in a rare public show of affection.
You guys didn't know the queen was bi?
Worthless without pics.
I do not like this buddy buddy citizen of the world bull while our leaders meet, toasting drinks to The New World Order.
It is both funny and sad to watch these anti-capitalists protesting outside buildings which contain anti-capitalist use-global-warming-to-transfer-wealth-to-us politicians.
Careful. You're name-calling there. You wouldn't want to be tactless and unbelievably, ridiculously hypocritical, would you?
Oops. Too late. Nice to know that your code of conduct for behavior applies to everyone except yourself. It is absolutely not surprising to me that you would make such a big deal about someone attacking you, but you can rip on someone with a sarcastic retort like that. Almost humorous how quickly you show your true colors.
And before you start in with the, "Well what I said wasn't as bad", you can kindly shut your mouth. It is not up to you to decide how rude and spiteful your words are. They shouldn't be said, according to you. Learn some decency.
Last edited by Cry Havoc; 04-02-2009 at 07:14 PM.
dude, chill out. this is just a damn message board. no need to flex your e-muscles.
last i checked, dude wasn't derogatory in anyway.
oh boy - what got your boxers in a twist? Regardless of what YOU think, there's a HUGE difference between using sarcasm (like calling someone Einstein), and the words balli used to attack me. He's apologized - and we've agreed to just ignore each other - so it's really none of your business now, is it?
And for the record, I've never objected to rudeness or name-calling - just outright vile obscenities.
Pot? Meet kettle. More hypocrisy. And, FYI, what bothers me is how transparent you are.
What a nice slippery slope you've put yourself on there. So let's be clear -- name calling is okay as long as you don't object to it? But if you're offended, well that's a different story and totally out of line and you have EVERY RIGHT to be upset by the nasty things that evil man said!Regardless of what YOU think, there's a HUGE difference between using sarcasm (like calling someone Einstein), and the words balli used to attack me. He's apologized - and we've agreed to just ignore each other - so it's really none of your business now, is it?
And for the record, I've never objected to rudeness or name-calling - just outright vile obscenities.
You two should get a room, before the tension becomes merely tedious.
Maybe. But those wouldn't be appropriate gifts either.I'm guessing she'll say [the ideal gift for a Queen is] the complete works of Rush Limbaugh, Bill O' Reilly and Mark Steyn.
The President needs to give things that are rare, unique, irreplaceable, or of great significance. Something like, I don't know, a tattered flag from WW2. Or an original signed copy of the Declaration. Something like that. Not an iPod full of his speeches. We all know he is a gifted speaker.
Of course, I would LOVE the complete works of Limbaugh. He is not a writer, but an extemporaneous speaker, and a great one at that, no teleprompter needed. I would LOVE to listen to the shows from the 1992 campaign, or the 194 congressional races. Big fan. I'm also an admirer of Steyn, not so much O'Reilley. But those would be partisan presents, not appropriate for royalty, who is ABOVE that.
No ... that part would be okay. It's ... personal. It's nice. No qualms about our heads of state exchanging signed framed photos. So long as it's not the primary gift.
I have signed photos of David Robinson. And there's a guy in Metairie that has autographs of every president.
Yeah, not everyone can come up with anal poisoning on the spot. He's a genius.
I guess he called you a or a c*nt?
historically speaking and all, isn't bas the most OFFENSIVE thing you can call a man?
We finally have a classy president back in the White House and Mic e is now officially proud of her country.
The next head of state is getting a six pack of Schlitz and a Sham Wow.
DaRRInS rofl dude. You should retract that statement ^^ It is all too obvious you Repugs hate this country.
In an actual debate, no teleprompters, I would predict a Limbaugh rout over Obama, or pretty much anyone. He is that good. The inspirational, and biting, and sarcastic, and funny stuff he can say off the cuff is unrivaled.
you seem to be a real cheerleader for rush---like, you're not being sarcastic or ironical. wtf dude, did you get a brain injury? I know WC would suck the dude off if he ever met him, but WC is ing re ed. You seem semi-intelligent OTOH.
Thats why Rush is so loved and revered across this country. Because of his endless ability to reach people and make them see his point of view.
Yeah no. Rush reaches a certain demographic and that demographic really feels a resonance with what he has to say, but please don't mistake that for somehow having actual debating skills or an overall appeal to the average person. Most people dont find him appeal at all.
Historically speaking - he IS a bas - that's the term for a child born to unwed parents right?
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